Have A Laugh & Help A Great Cause

With Access 2 Independence "Virtual" Variety Show fundraiser

By Scott Berson

After all that’s happened this year, who isn’t looking forward to a little bit of laughter and good vibes? Thank goodness we’ve got a lot of local talent who are willing to come together to give Columbus a night of hilarity and good ol’ fashion entertainment, set for Wednesday, August 26, for the Access 2 Independence "Virtual" Comedy & Variety Show.

This years show will be hosted by Jerry Farber, a 55-year veteran of the Atlanta comedy scene who recently made Columbus his home, and will include original local music, comedy and theatre talent. With the exception that this will be a virtual experience that lets ticketholders watch from the luxury of their own space and at their convenience.

The event is a fundraiser for the local nonprofit “Access 2 Independence,” which provides services for the local community of people with disabilities. The organization is a non-residential program that serves nine counties in the region, and provides peer support, transition support, advocacy, independent life skills training, referrals and more to the community. It also advocates for the rights of all people with disabilities.

“This will be our third year doing the comedy fundraiser to benefit the disabled community of the Chattahoochee Valley,” said ORee Crittenden, assistant director of Access 2 Independence.

“We started this grassroots style, we’re looking forward to raising money that we can turn around and use to benefit our friends in the Valley area.”

Access 2 Independence Team

The event, normally held at the Loft (which is currently closed at 1032 Broadway), has been a success in the past, with each show selling to capacity or near capacity. “Folks have always been so supportive, we really want to continue to give them a good show”, Crittenden said.

Jerry Farber Performs For a2i at the Loft

Jerry Farber will be the host this year, as he has been in past years. Farber has been involved in comedy for longer than many have been alive, he jokes. Jerry ran a popular comedy club in Atlanta for many years and taught stand-up to dozens of aspiring comics. He began as a piano player in the Atlanta clubs and hotspots, but found himself getting bored of playing the same songs every night. Not being a singer, he began to talk instead -- and gradually began telling jokes.

Decades later, he’s still doing it. (and doing it well).

“He gets what we do,” Crittenden said of Farber. “I like the unique blend of comedy and music, and the musings of a comedian with lots of years of experience. I love working with Jerry just as a human being.”

Farber stayed in Atlanta until his 80s, when he said he began getting ground down by the noise and traffic of Atlanta. That’s when he moved to Columbus and met ORee and began getting involved with Access 2 Independence.

“I’m excited to be in Columbus and bring people this event,” Farber said. “When I was young, someone said to me, try to leave the world a foot better when you leave than when you came into it. The easiest way for me to participate is to help by doing a worthwhile event and telling jokes.”

While the pandemic has brought so much to a halt, Crittenden and Farber are excited to present something extraordinary for the people of Columbus and the Valley, all to help a great cause.

“The show must go on,” he said. “I always say, come on out, let’s have some good laughs and an evening of comedy and support those who may need a little bit of extra help in our community. This year, he says “stay at home.”

This show will go on.

For updates and to purchase your donation tickets, go to getlocaltix.com and select the event on the listing page. Visit access2independence.com and their facebook event page. Call ORee Crittenden at 706-405-2393.